I’m sure you’ve heard people say, “If you need anything, just ask.” Asking for what you need or want sounds simple. And yet so many of us shy away from asking for things for fear of feeling rejected, turned down, or ignored. Many of us don’t ask because we don’t want to impose on others or inconvenience them. We make assumptions of what someone else’s response will be to our requests instead of giving that person the opportunity to decide for themselves.
I’ve negotiated against myself many times. By being embarrassed, intimidated, or overly considerate, I’ve missed opportunities. Like Nora Roberts says, “If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.”
What’s fascinating is that when I muster the courage to put myself out there, getting a yes is often easier than I expected it to be, and getting a no isn’t as bad as I thought it would be. It’s so true that we suffer more in imagination than in reality!
Afraid to ask
In looking for good podcasts to share my newly launched book, I came across Ty Bennett’s podcast. I love his work and admire many of the guests he’s interviewed in the past. Even though I know Ty, it took me months to ask him to be on his podcast. I hesitated and procrastinated because I wasn’t sure how to approach him.
I finally realized what I was doing. If I didn’t reach out to Ty, I was guaranteeing that I’d never have an interview with him. I took action and sent Ty a message. Guess what? He said, “Yes!”
Ask and you shall receive
Today I get to share with you an awesome interview Ty and I did together.
Not only is this episode full of life lessons, but it is super relevant and timely during this pandemic. We cover everything from defining success, to parenting, to living a meaningful life. We even talk about not eating the marshmallow!
To think this interview could help so many people, and yet wouldn’t exist had I not been willing to ask for it.
I’m so proud I get to share this podcast episode with you, and the backstory of how I got here. Because I know I’m not the only one who is afraid of asking for what I want. I’m not the only one who has negotiated against herself.
Remember that the most successful people are the ones who put themselves out there even when they’re afraid to do it.
Stop procrastinating, hesitating, and wasting opportunities for fear of rejection. Just remember, if they say no, you’re in no different a position than you are now. If they say yes, the results will help you and others along the way!
A Moment of Clarity
Ask for what you want!
Failing to do so deprives not only you but others too.
